Software and Copyright Essay example -- Computers History Technology E

Softw ar and CopyrightCurrent copyright and patent laws be inappropriate for computer software package system their imposition slows rectify software development and reduces competition. From the first computer as we know them, the ENIAC, computer software has become much and more(prenominal) important. From thousands of bytes on miles of paper to millions of bytes on a thin piece of tin foil sandwitched between two pieces of plastic, software has contend an important objet dart in the world. Computers have most likely played an important role in all our lives, from making math easier with calculators, to having money on the go with air machines. However, with all the help that has been given to us, we havent done anything for software and the people who write it. Software by nature is completely defense slight, as it is more or less simply intellectual property, and not a forcible thing, thus very easily copied. Copied software does not make money for its creators, and th us they charge more for whats not copied, and the whole industry inflates. There are two categories of intellectual property. The first one is composed of writing, music, and films,which are cover by copyright. Inventions and innovations are covered by patent. These two categories have covered for geezerhood more kinds of work with little or no conflict. Unfortunately, it is not that easy when dealing with such a complex matter as computer software. When something is typed on a computer, it is considered writting, as it is all written words and numbers. However, when executed by the computer, it functions like an invention, performing a specific task as instructed by the user. Thus, software falls into both categories (Del Guercio 22-24). It is generally covered today by copyright laws, for most mass mart software at least. More advanced software or programming techniques, however, can be patented, as they are neither obvious nor old. This results in many problems which I will go into later. Copyrights last the life sentence of the author, plus 50 years, and can be renewed. Patents last only 17 years, but cannot be renewed. With engineering science advancing so quickly, it is not necessary to concur the protection of the software for the length of the copyright, but also, it is sometimes necessary to renew them (Del Guercio 22-24), say, for a 10th posteriority in a video game serial or version 47.1 of Bobs Graphic Progra... ...Anne Bilodeau House Bill Would Limit Hyperlinks.http/.www.webweek.com/96May20/nes/netcopy.html (1996). Richard Raysman et al Computer Law meshwork Copyright Developments. http//www.brmlaw.com/doclib/complaw196.html (1996). Del Guercio, Gino. Softwars. World Monitor Oct. 1991 22-24. Reprinted in applied science 3. Boca Raton, Florida SIRS, Inc., 1996 phrase 75. Daniel Grant. Computer Copycats Blur Rights. Christian Science Monitor Oct. 3 1991 12. Reprinted in Technology 3. Boca Raton, Florida SIRS, Inc., 1996 Article 75. Daniel A Tysver BitLaw meshing Linking http//www.bitlaw.com/internet/linking.html (1996). Daniel A Tysver BitLaw Internet Software Patents http//www.bitlaw.com/internet/patent.html (1996). David Pressman Patent It Yourself http//www.nolo.com/pat/toc.html (1996). Niva Elkin-Koren Copyright Liability of BBS Operators http//yu1.yu.edu/csl/journals/aelj/articles/13-2/elkin.html (1995). Gleick, James. Ill Take the Money, Thanks. stark naked York Times 4 Aug. 1996. 16. Dukelow, Ruth. The Library Copyright pass along Chelsea, Michigan., 1992. Ross, Philip E. Cops vs Robbers in Cyberspace. Forbes 9 Sept. 1996. 134-140. Software and Copyright Essay example -- Computers History Technology ESoftware and CopyrightCurrent copyright and patent laws are inappropriate for computer software their imposition slows down software development and reduces competition. From the first computer as we know them, the ENIAC, computer software has become more and more important. From thousands of bytes on miles of paper to millions of bytes on a thin piece of tin foil sandwitched between two pieces of plastic, software has played an important part in the world. Computers have most likely played an important role in all our lives, from making math easier with calculators, to having money on the go with ATM machines. However, with all the help that has been given to us, we havent done anything for software and the people who write it. Software by nature is completely defenseless, as it is more or less simply intellectual property, and not a physical thing, thus very easily copied. Copied software does not make money for its creators, and thus they charge more for whats not copied, and the whole industry inflates. There are two categories of intellectual property. The first one is composed of writing, music, and films,which are covered by copyright. Inventions and innovations are covered by patent. These two categories have covered for years many kinds of work with little or no conflict. Unfortunately, it is not that easy when dealing with such a complex matter as computer software. When something is typed on a computer, it is considered writting, as it is all written words and numbers. However, when executed by the computer, it functions like an invention, performing a specific task as instructed by the user. Thus, software falls into both categories (Del Guercio 22-24). It is generally covered today by copyright laws, for most mass market software at least. More advanced software or programming techniques, however, can be patented, as they are neither obvious nor old. This results in many problems which I will go into later. Copyrights last the lifetime of the author, plus 50 years, and can be renewed. Patents last only 17 years, but cannot be renewed. With technology advancing so quickly, it is not necessary to maintain the protection of the software for the length of the copyright, but also, it is sometimes necessary to renew them (Del Guercio 22-24), say, for a 10th sequel in a video game series or version 47.1 of Bobs Graphic Progra... ...Anne Bilodeau House Bill Would Limit Hyperlinks.http/.www.webweek.com/96May20/nes/netcopy.html (1996). Richard Raysman et al Computer Law Internet Copyright Developments. http//www.brmlaw.com/doclib/complaw196.html (1996). Del Guercio, Gino. Softwars. World Monitor Oct. 1991 22-24. Reprinted in Technology 3. Boca Raton, Florida SIRS, Inc., 1996 Article 75. Daniel Grant. Computer Copycats Blur Rights. Christian Science Monitor Oct. 3 1991 12. Reprinted in Technology 3. Boca Raton, Florida SIRS, Inc., 1996 Article 75. Daniel A Tysver BitLaw Internet Linking http//www.bitlaw.com/internet/linking.html (1996). Daniel A Tysver BitLaw Internet Software Patents http//www.bitlaw.com/internet/patent.html (1996). David Pressman Patent It Yourself http//www.nolo.com/pat/toc.html (1996). Niva Elkin-Koren Copyright Liability of BBS Operators http//yu1.yu.edu/csl/journals/aelj/articles/13-2/elkin.html (199 5). Gleick, James. Ill Take the Money, Thanks. New York Times 4 Aug. 1996. 16. Dukelow, Ruth. The Library Copyright Guide Chelsea, Michigan., 1992. Ross, Philip E. Cops vs Robbers in Cyberspace. Forbes 9 Sept. 1996. 134-140.